Luke 7:34
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus’ critics twisted his gracious approachability into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness, missing that his "eating and drinking" was precisely how he demonstrated that God’s kingdom wasn't meant for an elite few but was open to all, even the most marginalized. This wasn't just about social etiquette; it was a radical declaration of God's inclusive love, which they vehemently rejected.
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' rejection by comparing his generation to stubborn children who refuse to engage, no matter the approach. While John the Baptist's austere lifestyle drew accusations of demon possession, Jesus' own inclusive, social interactions—even at meals with "tax collectors and sinners"—are twisted into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness. This stark contrast highlights how the religious elite actively rejected both God's messengers and God's own wisdom, regardless of their methods.
Why did Jesus eat with 'tax collectors and sinners'? The religious elite were scandalized, but God's heart was on full display.
Jesus's approach to meals wasn't just about nourishment; it was a powerful, symbolic declaration of His mission. By eating and drinking with people the religious establishment scorned, Jesus wasn't endorsing their sin. Instead, He was demonstrating God's radical welcome and extending an invitation to the marginalized. This was a core part of His identity as the 'Son of Man' – coming to relate to humanity in all its messiness.
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Why is it that some people embrace God's message while others reject it, even when the messengers are different?
Jesus uses a vivid analogy: the people of His generation are like children in the marketplace who refuse to respond to any tune played. John the Baptist came with austerity (a mournful tune), and they said he was demon-possessed. Jesus came with joy and fellowship (a celebratory tune), and they accused Him of gluttony and drunkenness. Neither approach swayed the hardened hearts of His critics.
Understand the original words
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A title for the Messiah, emphasizing both His human nature and His messianic authority as the apocalyptic figure described in Daniel 7.
telōnēs · Greek Noun
Those who collect taxes for the Roman government, often viewed by Jewish society as traitors and ceremonially unclean due to their constant contact with Gentiles.
hamartōlos · Greek Noun
Individuals who habitually live in transgression of the law of God, standing in opposition to the religious elite and in need of repentance and salvation.
The criticism Jesus faced highlights a sharp divide in how people perceived God's kingdom. The religious elite expected a Messiah who would condemn sinners and uphold their strict traditions, while Jesus demonstrated God's inclusive love and offered repentance and forgiveness to all.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist Begins Ministry
John the Baptist starts preaching a message of repentance in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to prepare the way for the Lord. His austere lifestyle and message contrast with Jesus' approach.
c. AD 29
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His approach is often more inclusive and socially engaged than John's.
c. AD 30— this verse
Feast at Levi's (Matthew's) House
Jesus attends a banquet hosted by Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector, where he eats with many other tax collectors and sinners. This event is a prime example of the interactions that drew criticism.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Opposition
Throughout his ministry, Jesus faces ongoing criticism from religious leaders like the Pharisees and scribes, who question his association with 'sinners' and his less rigid lifestyle compared to John the Baptist.
This passage is part of the parallel account in Matthew, directly quoting Jesus comparing himself to John the Baptist and describing how people rejected both of their approaches, showing the same theme of people's refusal to accept God's messengers.
Luke 5:30This verse highlights the Pharisees' and scribes' criticism of Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners, directly reflecting the accusation mentioned in Luke 7:34 and demonstrating their consistent rejection of Jesus' inclusive ministry.
1 Corinthians 1:20-25Paul discusses how God chose the 'foolishness' of the cross and the weak to shame the wise and mighty, mirroring how Jesus' 'unconventional' life, seen as foolishness by the religious elite, ultimately reveals God's wisdom and power.
Romans 14:17This verse states that the kingdom of God is not about food and drink but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, offering a theological framework for understanding why Jesus' meals with sinners were seen as so scandalous by those focused on external religious rules.
calvinLuke 7:29-35: "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John."
- But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children, who sit in the market-place, and call out to their companions, 17. And say, We have played on the flute to you, and you have not danced; we have sung mournful airs to you, and you have not lamented. 18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19. The Son of man came ea…
pulpitLuke 7:34: "The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!"
Verse 34. - The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! The reproach belonged to the general way of our Lord's way of living, consorting as he did with men and women in the common everyday life of man, sharing in their joys as in their sorrows, in their festivit…
Jesus’ critics twisted his gracious approachability into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness, missing that his "eating and drinking" was precisely how he demonstrated that God’s kingdom wasn't meant for an elite few but was open to all, even the most marginalized. This wasn't just about social etiquette; it was a radical declaration of God's inclusive love, which they vehemently rejected.
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' rejection by comparing his generation to stubborn children who refuse to engage, no matter the approach. While John the Baptist's austere lifestyle drew accusations of demon possession, Jesus' own inclusive, social interactions—even at meals with "tax collectors and sinners"—are twisted into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness. This stark contrast highlights how the religious elite actively rejected both God's messengers and God's own wisdom, regardless of their methods.
Jesus responds to the Pharisees' rejection by comparing his generation to stubborn children who refuse to engage, no matter the approach. While John the Baptist's austere lifestyle drew accusations of demon possession, Jesus' own inclusive, social interactions—even at meals with "tax collectors and sinners"—are twisted into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness. This stark contrast highlights how the religious elite actively rejected both God's messengers and God's own wisdom, regardless of their methods.
"The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" — Jesus’ critics twisted his gracious approachability into accusations of gluttony and drunkenness, missing that his "eating and drinking" was precisely how he demonstrated that God’s kingdom wasn't me…
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